Discussion Questions

[Erika Rech]

Print off the discussion questions and be ready next month to discuss
them... Enjoy!!!

Discussion Questions
From Room's Official Web Site:

1.Why do you think the entire book is told in Jack’s voice? Do you
think it is effective?
2.What are some of the ways in which Jack’s development has been
stunted by growing up in Room? How has he benefited?
3.If you were Ma, what would you miss most about the outside world?
4.What would you do differently if you were Jack’s parent? Would you
tell Jack about the outside world from the start?
5.If Ma had never given birth to Jack, what would her situation in
Room be like?
6.What would you ask for, for Sundaytreat, if you were Jack? If you
were Ma?
7.Describe the dynamic between Old Nick and Ma. Why does the author
choose not to tell us Old Nick’s story?
8.What does joining the outside world do to Jack? To Ma?
9.What role do you think the media play in the novel?
10.In a similar situation, how would you teach a child the difference
between the real world and what they watch on television?
11.Why are we so fascinated by stories of long-term confinement?
12.What were you most affected by in the novel?

Suggested by Members


Do you think the fact that Jack's mother was adopted play a role in
the novel?


I was upset to see that one reader posted a topic which is a spoiler
for the story.



Did the mother try to commit suicide or was it accidental?
Discuss the relationship of the grandparents and steppa with Jack and
the mother. How would you react as a parent?
Go to www.roomthebook.com to experience a virtual tour of "the room".


Describe your thoughts and feelings towards Ma through out the whole
book. Did they change?



The capitalization of common nouns changes their importance in the
book, what is your impression of this technique?
How could Jack have been content to remain in Room? What surprised you
most about his adjustment to Outside?